My friend's 750 (0-200) nosed over on take-off after hitting the ground from 3 feet height and with the wheel turned 15 degrees to the right as he was in a crosswind. The fork didn't hold up,the plane turned to the right,,,the wing touched the ground and the plane flipped over.
The seatbetls did the job, so he was okay with a little scratch on his head. The struts, and rudder got ripped off like paper.
SAD,SAD SAD but at least the pilot is fine.The fuselage is intact and still salvagable other than the landing gear which needs to be changed.
He will rebuild his plane with all of my parts I had made for my 750....I couldn't stand looking at him so depressed....hahaha Like I told him....it's only aluminum and time...the joy of scratch building.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 411

Albums: Front-Fork

Comment

You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!

Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers

Comment by Bob McDonald on June 30, 2012 at 6:20pm
Maybe Andre knows its faster and just as much fun to "kit build"... the other "Uncle Bob"
Comment by Robert Pelland on June 30, 2012 at 8:56am

André, the following question is for you.

 

If you are in the process of building your CH-750, why would you be giving away your parts,  when they are needed for your own construction.  I gott'a tell you, somethiong sounds fishey here. !

 

Uncle Bob

Comment by Randy Owen on June 29, 2012 at 7:39pm

I couldn't agree more. There's no substitute for learning a new aircraft type with someone who's got experience in it. For those in commuting distance from Western Colorado, I can give free transition training in my CH701 (I'm a CFI). I've already done it for a couple of folks.

Comment by Sebastien Heintz on June 29, 2012 at 11:17am

Yes, it is highly recommended (and often required by insurance) to obtain transition training before attempting to fly a new aircraft type (especially on its maiden flight).  We really appreciate having Zenith owners like Bob McDonald who offer type training to fellow builders.  In the U.S., Buzzair Flight Academy offers training in the CH750 Light Sport (in Reno, Nevada) and CH601XL-B Light Sport training (in both Reno and Tennessee).  There are also several Zenith kit owners currently working with the FAA to obtain FAR 91.319(h) exemption (Letter of Deviation Authority or LODA) to provide type-training in their homebuilt plane.

Comment by Bob McDonald on June 29, 2012 at 7:05am

Just so everyone knows, this is not a fault of the nose gear design. It is the direct result of a pilot attempting to fly a CH (STOL) series aircraft with no time on type. Transioning from a Quad City Challenger to a CH750 is not a simple thing to do... your feet need to be re-programed just like when a CESSNA or GA pilot ransitions to a UL Challenger.(I have 400 hrs on Challengers). Attempting a 1st flight test of any new aircraft is always a risk.. with no time on type it is a reciept for disaster. This is the reason I offer type training for free. Never test fly 3 ft off the ground, your too close to the ground and will run into it. Andre is correct "Its only aluminum, it can be rebuilt / repaired...lives and friends cannot".

Comment by RANDY L HALLOCK on June 28, 2012 at 11:04pm
Good advice, Your a better man than I am Andre.
Comment by Andre Levesque on June 28, 2012 at 9:25pm
Like my friend Bob McDonald I-KIM (CH-750) mentioned ....its always a good idea to get a check ride / advice before taking your first flight ever in a STOL 701/750/801 ...or any new plane for that matter. The temptation is always there but better to be safe than sorry. It was a hard lesson to learn I'm sure.
Yes you are right....I'm glad he's fine too. His pride was bruised worst i think!! -:) but it can happen to the best of us! By sharing these pictures, we hope to help our fellow builders and take advice from others that came before us on that long trail of building an experimental aircraft.
Comment by STEVEN and TARA SMITH on June 28, 2012 at 8:50pm

Andre - thanks for sharing this. Glad everyone is ok.

 

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service